One week into training camp, the Cincinnati Bengals have added another offensive weapon. Surrounding Joe Burrow with as much talent as possible, the Bengals continue to bulk up one of the top offensives in the league.
Noah Fant’s first team visit was with the Bengals. He was released by the Seattle Seahawks before training camp began. The former first round pick will join the third team of his career after beginning with the Denver Broncos.
Joe Burrow’s Offense Continues to Blossom With Noah Fant Signing
Now that the team has worked out deals with their first and second round pick, the only question mark remaining is Trey Hendrickson. Fant may not be a game-changing signing, but he’s another step closer towards the team making another Super Bowl appearance.
Former #Seahawks TE Noah Fant is expected to sign with the #Bengals, per me and @TomPelissero.
A new home for the ex-#Broncos first rounder. pic.twitter.com/zXYBWViL5o
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 31, 2025
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Even though Hendrickson is back at training camp, he won’t be practicing like Fant. The 27-year-old hasn’t finished any of his six seasons with less than 414 yards. He played in just 14 games last season, but totaled more yards than he did in his prior two seasons.
Fant proved that he still has a lot left in the tank. He hauled in 486 and 414 yards in a pair of 17 game seasons in 2022-23. Even though he missed three games last season, he still finished with an even 500 yards.
His time on the Seahawks saw him tally 130 receptions for 1,400 yards. In his first three years as a Bronco, he recorded 170 receptions for 1,905 yards. Those rookie seasons saw him finish with 10 touchdowns compared to just five in Seattle.
With just 32 receptions in 2023, it seemed like Fant was falling off. That was a steep decrease to the 68 receptions he had in 2021, but he managed to average 12.9 yards per reception in ’23. Even though it’s the lone season of his career without a touchdown, he rebounded well despite a few injuries.
The three games he missed last season were due to a toe and groin injury. Each of those contributed to Fant missing time. Even though he didn’t miss a game in 2023, he did struggle with knee issues.
New Look at the Bengals Offense
Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero came together to break the news of Fant’s signing. He visited the Bengals first, but also took a look at the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins. Ultimately, his decision was to return to the AFC.
Veteran TE Noah Fant is signing with the #Bengals, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
Released by Seattle last week, Fant lands a new home quickly. pic.twitter.com/YxUMQ6ikzL
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 31, 2025
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Fant joins Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample as Burrow’s tight end options. Even though this offense runs through Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, tight ends still play a crucial part.
Last season, Gesicki finished third on the team in receiving yards. He was targeted the third most as he contributed quite well in his rookie season.
Sample has been on the team since 2019. The 29-year-old was selected No. 52 overall that year as he’s only finished three of his six seasons with 100+ yards. It’s safe to say that Fant will leapfrog Sample who’s played all 17 games his last two seasons.
Knowing how much of a career resurgence Gesicki had compared to his time on the New England Patriots in 2023, it’s hard to say that Fant will jump above him. Either way, it’s a great one-two combo for Burrow who has yet another toy to play with.
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